Laddie Novak

Ladislav "Laddie" Novak, 85, Grand Forks, died Tuesday, April 19, 2011 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Ladislav Anthony Novak was born June 11, 1925 in Hiradistko, Czechoslovakia. At the age of 15 he left home to attend school and learn the sausage making and butcher trade. In 1947 he married Marie Mala and they immigrated to the United States to escape communism in Eastern Europe. After working in a meat market in Mayville, North Dakota for 2 years, the young family moved to Devils Lake, North Dakota, where he worked as a livestock buyer and sausage maker. In 1960 the family moved to Grand Forks and established L & M Meats and Sausage Company. In his spare time Laddie enjoyed watching sports, especially hockey. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His final ice fishing trip to Canada was 2 weeks prior to his death on April 19. Laddie is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Marie; daughter, Vera (fiancée Tom Gilmore) of Willmar, MN; sons Laddie, Jr. (Paulette), Garry, and Jeff, all of Grand Forks; grandchildren, Jennifer, Mitchell, Jodi, Paul, Pat, Gina, Greg, Randy, Garry, Jr., Shelby, Anthony and Joey; 12 great grandchildren. Laddie was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister, and a daughter, Ilona. Memorial Services: 4 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2011 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, North Dakota. Visitation: will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Private Interment: will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Circle of Friends Humane Society or the Humane Society Animal Shelter of Grand Forks.